Google Finland Data Center: Police Probe Forest Clearing

Finnish police have launched an investigation into suspected environmental crime linked to Google's planned data center in Muhos, northern Finland. Authorities have ordered work halted at two sites, and Google says it will cooperate with investigators.

The Muhos site, near Oulu, was being prepared by Tuike Finland, a Google-owned company. Work included felling trees, stripping topsoil, building access roads and installing drainage. About 330 hectares of forest were cleared, equal to more than 460 standard football pitches. At a second site, Otanmäki near Kajaani, preparations covered almost 200 hectares. Nature groups estimate that around 250,000 and 150,000 trees were cut respectively.

Work began before environmental checks ended

The core problem is that work started before the mandatory environmental impact assessments were completed. In October the supervisory authority, LVV, ordered a stop to any activity that could further alter the land, and Google confirmed the suspension.

On 29 October, police in Oulu confirmed the inquiry, which merges five complaints, including one from the supervisory authority. Preliminary findings point to unclear or deficient arrangements for drainage and water management at the site. Investigators are checking whether Finnish water rules were breached and whether environmental damage resulted. The authority demanded a detailed water management plan by 5 November, covering heavy rain, snowmelt and independent measurements, as well as local rocks and soils containing sulphides that can acidify water. No crime has been established. A breach could lead to a financial penalty. Police plan to share more in December and expect to finish in 2027.

A €13 billion plan under scrutiny

In September Google announced at least €13 billion for Finnish digital infrastructure in 2027–2028, covering Muhos, Kajaani, Vaala and the existing Hamina site. It also pledged support for nuclear power, energy storage and renewables, funding for restoring native forests and wetlands, and €31 million for local projects over four years.

Google's Finland head, Antti Järvinen, apologized, saying the company acted on its understanding of the rules at the time and worked with authorities and experts.

The case shows that AI infrastructure has an impact before the first server is switched on. Grid operator Fingrid estimates national electricity use could rise by up to 40% in coming years if all planned connections are built, with data centers a major driver.